“Li Shangyin’s Und Poem: The Difficulty of Meeting and Parting”
Original Text and Translation
“无题·相见时难别亦难” (Und: Meeting is Difficult, Parting is Hard)
Tang Dynasty
By Li Shangyin
Translation:
Meeting is difficult, and parting is even harder, especially in this late spring when the east wind is weak and flowers have withered. The silken threads of the spring silkworm are exhausted only upon its death, and the wax of a candle burns to ashes before its tears finally dry. In the morning, as I groom and look into the mirror, I worry about the changes in my cloud-like hair and fading beauty. At night, alone, I recite poems and feel the chill of the moonlight. Though Penglai Mountain isn’t too far away, there are no roads to reach it. Please, blue bird-like messengers, diligently check on my situation.
Expanded Explanation for American Readers
Li Shangyin’s und poem is a poignant reflection on the pain of separation and the challenges of reunion. Through rich imagery and symbolism, the poet conveys deep emotions related to love, longing, and the passage of time. Here’s an in-depth exploration of the poem’s themes and imagery to help American readers understand its nuances.
Exploring the Poem’s Themes and Imagery
1. The Challenges of Meeting and Parting
The poem begins with the assertion that both meeting and parting are difficult. This theme resonates with the universal experience of the joy and sorrow associated with relationships. The specific mention of “late spring” and “withered flowers” sets a melancholic tone, highlighting the transient and impermanent nature of life and relationships.
2. Metaphors of Exhaustion
The poet uses the imagery of a spring silkworm that only finishes spinning its silk upon death to symbolize enduring and exhaustive love. Similarly, the candle’s wax, which must burn down to ashes before its “tears” dry, represents the process of emotional depletion and the slow resolution of grief.
3. Morning Worries and Nightly Melancholy
In the morning, the poet reflects on the inevitable changes in his appearance and youth, which is metaphorically described as “cloud-like hair” and “fading beauty.” This concern reflects the broader anxieties about aging and the passage of time.
At night, the poet’s solitary recitations and the chill of the moonlight emphasize his isolation and the deep emotional impact of his separation from his beloved. The “cold moonlight” further symbolizes the harshness and distance of his situation.
4. Mythical and Symbolic References
The mention of Penglai Mountain, a mythical land of immortality in Chinese folklore, serves as a metaphor for an unattainable or distant goal. The poet’s longing to reach this mythical place underscores the difficulty of bridging the gap between himself and his loved one.
The “blue bird” is a mythical messenger in Chinese tradition, often associated with conveying messages between realms. Here, it symbolizes the hope for communication and connection, despite the seemingly insurmountable distance.
5. The Role of the Blue Bird
The blue bird-like messengers are implored to diligently check on the poet’s situation. This plea highlights the poet’s sense of urgency and desperation, as well as his desire for some form of communication or reassurance.